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RETRACTED: Adverse impacts of microplastics on soil physicochemical properties and crop health in agricultural systems
Summary
This review paper, which has since been retracted, summarized how microplastics enter agricultural soils through plastic mulch, contaminated irrigation water, and compost, then disrupt soil health and crop production. The findings raised concerns about food safety, since microplastics in farm soil could accumulate in crops and potentially reach humans through the food chain.
• Reviews sources and pathways of microplastics in soil. • Examines toxic effects on soil health and plants. • Identifies knowledge gaps and future research areas. • Proposes strategies to mitigate agricultural pollution. The pervasive use of plastics has led to significant environmental concerns, particularly with microplastics emerging as a critical pollutant in agriculture. While existing studies have documented the accumulation of microplastics in various environments, this review distinctively focuses on agricultural soils as a critical endpoint for these contaminants. Unlike other reviews, we delve into the overview through which microplastics integrate into soil matrices and the subsequent implications for soil health and crop production. We examine the environmental sources, fate, and toxicity of microplastics within agricultural settings, highlighting unique pathways through which these materials enter the soil, such as plastic mulches, irrigation with contaminated water, and organic amendments like compost and sewage sludge. This review not only synthesizes current knowledge but also identifies significant knowledge gaps in understanding how microplastics interact with soil properties, microbial communities, and agricultural crops. These interactions are crucial for addressing food safety concerns and evaluating risks to human health through potential bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes. Furthermore, our findings aim to catalyse policy-making and practical solutions, proposing ways that the agricultural sector can adapt to reduce microplastic pollution. Addressing the issue of microplastic pollution in agriculture is essential not only for ensuring food security but also for protecting human health and maintaining environmental integrity. This review contributes uniquely by proposing a framework for future research and action, guiding stakeholders towards comprehensive solutions for a pressing global issue.